Innumeracy

Innumeracy is the basic term used for mathematical illiteracy. Innumeracy is common throughout the world in varying degrees and is the bane of author John Allen Paulos' existence.

Surprisingly, innumeracy runs rampant through society irrespective of the chosen walk of life, social status, gender, and generation. Even more surprising is that innumeracy is not restricted to the uneducated. In fact, the presence of innumeracy among the educated is extremely common. So common, in fact, that it is often overlooked the way a senseless cliché is overlooked.

Paulos gives many examples, some of which are humorous. Among the author's favorites is the weather forecaster who unknowingly presents his innumerate status to the world at large through the weather report. One forecaster claimed that there was a 50 percent chance of rain on Saturday and a 50 percent chance of rain on Sunday. Therefore, the weekend promised a 100 percent chance of rain...